Connor Jessup, 22, is a Canadian actor, best known for his role as Ben Mason on TNT’s Falling Skies. In 2012, Jessup’s performance in Blackbird earned him a “Rising Star” accolade, and he was later named one of Variety’s “Actors to Watch”. (Getty)

Soul Train Weekend Kickoff

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/6/16 – Soul Train Awards Weekend 2016 kicked off Thursday, November 3rd at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV with an event sponsored by Toyota called Acoustically Speaking. The event was headlined by Monica with additional performances by Tank and Yuna.

Other events during the star-studded weekend included BET’s The Comedy Get Down including Cedric ‘The Entertainer,’ D.L. Hughley, George Lopez, Eddie Griffin and Charlie Murphy as well as the Soul Train Music Festival with jaw-dropping vocal performances by Tish Hyman, Anthony Hamilton, Tyrese, and Jill Scott.

We had a chance to check out open rehearsals including D.R.A.M., Dru Hill, Bobby Brown, host Erykah Badu, and more.

If the events held this weekend are any indication of what we can expect during the main event, all signs lead to a fantastic show!

The Soul Train Awards is full steam ahead for a broadcast on Centric and BET Sunday, November 27th at 5pm PT/8pm ET.